Business Administration, Management and Operations at Kent State University at Salem

Kent State Salem's business program lands squarely in the middle of the pack, ranking at the 40th percentile both nationally and within Ohio. With first-year earnings of $43,509, graduates earn about $2,200 less than the typical Ohio business graduate and fall short of the national median by a similar margin. The debt load of $26,000 matches national averages exactly, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60.

What's encouraging is the program's solid earnings trajectory—graduates see a 17% bump in pay by year four, reaching $50,908. This puts them much closer to competitive territory, though still trailing Ohio's top business programs like Miami University ($67,823) and Ohio State ($61,423) by significant margins. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates makes these numbers reliable, and the reasonable debt load means students aren't taking on excessive financial risk.

For families seeking an affordable path to a business degree, Kent State Salem delivers decent value without the premium price tag of flagship universities. The earnings may start modest, but the steady growth pattern and manageable debt create a foundation for middle-class financial stability. Just don't expect this program to fast-track your child to the highest-paying business careers—it's a solid, if unremarkable, stepping stone into the professional world.